To eliminate the recurrence of the scourge, Chuenyane said the department had sourced out the services of a pupil/teacher discipline specialist who will work with the department's wellness official in addressing psychological ills that lead to the improper behaviour of teachers and pupils.

Education and sport development MEC Sello Lehari said corporal punishment was unacceptable.

He said teachers were defined by the values they uphold in running the classroom and were all subject to disciplinary measures irrespective of the nature of their employment.

"We are also working on enforcing psychological evaluation of teachers as part of supporting them with their mental wellbeing that will look at underlying reasons for improper behaviours rather than using punitive approaches."

He said both teachers and pupils will undergo psychological treatment.